Reflections on our LeadNow and Fusion event.
This past weekend I was rocked by something that Francis Chan said. He told a room of 1000 pastors and church leaders that much of our ministry might be powered by our own efforts and not the power of the Holy Spirit. Francis said that he knew how to grow a church — he’s a pretty good speaker, he can lead a talented team of musicians, he knows how to incorporate video, lights, etc. But if Jesus was the pastor of a church in our town — would our church be bigger than Jesus’ church? Would we be able to draw a bigger crowd because we tell them what they WANT to hear and give them an experience that feels good? That’s a head-rattling, heart-stopping thought.
Francis was speaking to the 1000+ leaders at the LeadNow event and then he spoke to the 2000+ at the Fusion Experience. Joining Francis was Erwin McManus, Todd Phillips, Matt Chandler, Marcus Buckingham, Margaret Feinberg and Donald Miller. Based on what Francis said, I want to be careful about how I write about the weekend. Certainly the speakers were top notch and we were thrilled with the attendance and loved being led in music by The Patrick Ryan Clark band and The Robbie Seay Band ... But if all you hear about is the pizzazz then I am afraid I won’t be doing it justice. I believe God showed up. There are three things I believe are evidence of God’s presence this weekend.
1. Bluefish TV and The RightNow Campaign
I am really proud of our team for putting together the LeadNow and Fusion events in Dallas. For over 30 years Bluefish TV has been creating video resources for the church. But for the past nine years there has been an engine that has been guiding the content and mission of our ministry. That engine is The RightNow Campaign. This is a movement to engage the 20 and 30-somethings in the church and challenge them to live out their faith. To put their faith into action. The LeadNow and Fusion events come out of heart of The RightNow Campaign. Donald Miller, Margaret Feinberg, Erwin McManus, Todd Phillips and others are relationships that have started with The RightNow Campaign and then been transferred to Bluefish TV so that these powerful teachers can reach more churches and more people through the DVD resources produced by Bluefish. So this past weekend was a team effort between The RightNow Campaign and Bluefish TV. (We are all in one office and one big happy/messy family.) God’s presence is obvious when the body works together in unity.
2. Like a Broken Record
At every event we work with the speakers to ensure that their teaching falls in line with the topics and themes we are aiming for during the event. But anytime you throw a handful of people on stage and ask them to teach you are bound to to get a little bit of splintering and rabbit trails. This past weekend was like a broken record. The 10 main session messages seemed to coordinate with each other and build off of each other. God’s presence is obvious when many voices bring one message.
3. Faith in Action
We called on the attendees to take tangible steps of action. Some steps will be easy and some will be more challenging. But here’s what has happened already:
>>1000 Caregiver kits were assembled to help fight AIDS in Africa. World Vision brought all the supplies and our attendees served as the “muscle” to build kits that will be used on the frontlines of people impacted by AIDS.
>> 133 children were sponsored. A few years ago my family began sponsoring 2 children that were similar ages to Abby and Grant. We invited Compassion International into the event to provide a tangible way for people to get involved.
>> Over 400 people filled out a response form that they are looking for help in discovering ways to serve. Our RightNow mission coaches will begin following up with these 400+ to help connect them to specific opportunities that are a match for their passions and skills.
God’s presence is obvious when people sacrifice time, money and comfort in pursuit of Him.
I love the event because it’s an opportunity to see God at work. You can see our Director of Event’s Top 10 Memorable moments here.
